I'm there for fun and relaxation. If the weather is decent and I have my tobacco for my pipe or cigars, I see nothing against sitting for four or five hours. Usually Mother Nature calls and I have to yield my spot on the pier. Time really isn't as important as how chill I am.
I don't cook so it all goes back into the ocean ...some times as bait.
All is fair in love and war and leader choice. Use a bit of logic and determine what is best for you under your circumstances.
Great seeing that my terrible opinion is shared by everyone else. I hate that line!!!
Any GafTopSailcat will. qualify. I had a spine planted into my wrist back in April and I still don't have sense in. my two fingers of my left hand. Got infected which healed in three days (with a Rx), X-rays show no debris left behind. I can't tie any knots. Ouch!
I'd go braid with a mono or flouro leader.
Heads up. Flounder season in the Atlantic side of Florida ended 15 October.
note: that is a left hand reel.
On the older Abu-Garcia reels a single letter after the size indicates it has ball bearings as opposed to bushings. The number following the letter indicates how many.
Mantansas is tops. There are a gazillion miles of accessible beach along the ocean. Get off the beach and fish off piers.
As a user they're great. Many parts are identical to Abu's.
Flyguy has it right. A #40 braid line with a lighter leader is a go. I use #40 braid with a 15# Fishing Mortician leader, a #2 circle hook and it's a goto rig. Pier fishing has quite a Dry/Vertical aspect to it that has to be dealt with. You'll be fine.
manufactures these days are getting away from that feature. Personally I don't know of any fishermen in my area use it, yet we all have paid for it.